Winegard Wingman - So Easy A Caveman .... - Page 2

SSteve · 03-11-2009, 04:45 PM

Once upon a time, I knew a thing or two about RF. I hope what I say here doesn't declare what I have forgotten.

Many of the elements on an antenna exist to steer RF to the place where the wire to (in this case) the TV is connected. Have a look at a roof antenna for a stick and brick. Not all of the elements are electrically connected. Those that are not, steer the RF (or reflect, or focus or what ever you want to call it) to that wire to the TV. With that in mind, even the simplest piece of lamp cord can capture digital broadcasts if the signal received is sufficient.

While there are legitimate issues concerning tuning to frequency, dealing with interference and such, they are tertiary compared to signal strength. Yes, digital transmissions are at a higher frequency than the analogs of yore. Digital recievers are largely capable of rejecting "ghosts" caused by reflection of the RF since they process the signal and can (properly designed) reject duplicate signals. But, you need to capture signal first. And, antenna area is power captured. Power is signal strength. And, in most cases, steering RF to the place the wires are connected contributes to signal strength.

This device adds area. It might also steer. It might even work.

I hope to hear some encouraging news. A $25 add on that works beats the nads off a big buck retro-fit that is just as good.

Steve

DriVer · 03-11-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSteve

This device adds area. It might also steer. It might even work.

Steve, Just like an LNB Look ma! No hands!

Jim Stewart · 03-11-2009, 05:45 PM

I own a motorhome and a motorcycle. On the motorcycle, I buy lots of doodads, some for looks some for functiona and some just for the heck of it.

At $25.00 if it works a little, it's cheap and may be one of those just for the heck of it doodads. I got one, it seems slightly better than before. The best part, as stated, next to a roll of toilet paper, it's the easiest thing I have ever installed on the motorhome.

DriVer · 03-11-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Stewart

The best part, as stated, next to a roll of toilet paper, it's the easiest thing I have ever installed on the motorhome.

Jim, Best thing I read all day!

Barbara S. · 03-11-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer

Having no one using the thing at all doesn't help anyone.

I have one and have used it (as posted earlier) and it DOES make a big difference!

SCVJeff · 03-12-2009, 12:27 AM

Steve: Well said and spot-on. I'm the one that did the actual measurements linked earlier in the thread so I have no doubts it does what it's claimed to do, and that kills all debate. As said earlier, it's not the golden bullet, but NOTHING that's more than a few elements will do any better.

John Hilley · 03-12-2009, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCVJeff

Steve: Well said and spot-on. I'm the one that did the actual measurements linked earlier in the thread so I have no doubts it does what it's claimed to do, and that kills all debate. As said earlier, it's not the golden bullet, but NOTHING that's more than a few elements will do any better.

I looked at your earlier post, but there is no longer any data or link in the post. I did notice that another poster referencing your data mentioned 3dB gain, which is truly a 100% increase in signal strength.

TXiceman · 03-12-2009, 10:31 AM

If it works as advertised, it will be great. Truth is you can built a directiona high gain antenna for the UHF signal (digital is broadcast in the old UHF band) out of a piece of 1 x 2 or broom stick and some piecs of coat hanger wire and it works great.

HERE is one with wood, coat hangers, and some aluminum foill.

Wouldn't that look good mounted on top of a Prevost.

It is all about having enough metal in the right configuration and lengths to capture the Signals.

Ken

DriVer · 03-12-2009, 06:53 PM

I turned on my TV today and hit some DTV stations and it's working however I don't have anything to compare it with scientifically unless I went up on the roof and removed the "Wingman." I guess the only way to really observe the performance is while watching the signal strength meter and doing an A - B comparison.

I did not get a whole bunch of channels with excellent reception but overall most were watchable; others received no signal or were pixillated.

Regardless, I'm leaving the thing on there.

SCVJeff · 03-13-2009, 12:31 AM

So now you HAVE to post the raw link rather than a 2 word description of what it is? Geeesh..

Here is the link to the test:
http://www.woodalls.com/cforum/index...d/22423030.cfm

MikenAmber · 03-13-2009, 09:35 AM

We tried our unit TV again, which is DTV and HDTV with the onboard antenna on our unit. It picked up quite a few DTV stations some were exceptionally clear while others pixcellated somewhat. I understand from a local TV station that present DTV signals are not at full strength but will be after the June deadline, then reception will be greatly improved.

TXiceman · 03-13-2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCVJeff

So now you HAVE to post the raw link rather than a 2 word description of what it is? Geeesh..

Here is the link to the test:
http://www.woodalls.com/cforum/index...d/22423030.cfm

The easy way to post the link is type the word you want to us as the link, highlight it, Bold it, change colors or what ever. While highlighted click the link button (globe and chain) and past the link there. It make the link of the highlighted text

TV Link

Just like that.

Ken

Superslif · 05-06-2009, 02:58 PM

The pictures on the first page of this thread really helped in seeing just what the Wingman looked like installed Thanx..... A few weeks back we tested out our new HD TV without yet installing the Wingman. We camped about 40 miles out into the country. Here we got better digital reception than at home in the city with just a rabbit ear antenna. I went ahead and ordered one from RV Upgrades. I'm going to have to buy some sort of digital antenna for home now......

thanx again (DriVer) for the great pictures.....

The true test will come when we go to more remote State Parks in Western & Northern PA. this summer. With the old anolog we would be lucky to get one channel with a bunch of static.

SCVJeff · 05-06-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

The easy way to post the link is type the word you want to us as the link, highlight it, Bold it, change colors or what ever. While highlighted click the link button (globe and chain) and past the link there. It make the link of the highlighted text

TV Link

Just like that.

Ken

Different from what I'm used to elsewhere but probably easier. Just gotta remember this one is different, thanks!